In a stirring remote address to the United Nations General Assembly in New York, Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas delivered a resolute message: ‘Palestine is ours. We will not leave our land. We will not leave our homeland. Our people are rooted like the olive trees.’ Speaking virtually from Ramallah in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, after being denied a visa by the United States, Mr. Abbas passionately condemned Israel’s military campaign in Gaza as ‘war crimes’ and ‘genocide,’ a conclusion also echoed by a U.N. Independent International Commission of Inquiry.
Mr. Abbas used his platform to reject any notion of Palestinians abandoning their territory, even in the face of immense suffering. He underscored the Palestinian Authority’s readiness to assume full responsibility for governing Gaza post-conflict, explicitly stating that Hamas would have no role and calling on the group to disarm. ‘We reiterate that we do not want an armed state,’ he emphasized.
The Palestinian leader also addressed the Hamas-led attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, unequivocally denouncing it and stating, ‘These actions don’t represent the Palestinian people.’ He thanked the growing number of countries, including 10 recent Western additions like France, Britain, Canada, Australia, and Belgium, that have formally recognized Palestinian statehood, bringing the total to approximately 160 nations. He reminded the assembly that the Palestinian Authority had recognized Israel’s right to exist as early as 1988 and again in 1993. Mr. Abbas further criticized Israeli leaders advocating for territorial expansion, reaffirming that the Gaza Strip is an integral part of a future Palestinian state.
His address resonated with an audience largely sympathetic to the Palestinian cause, as the ongoing war in Gaza has been a dominant theme at this year’s General Assembly. World leaders have consistently recognized Palestinian statehood, denounced Israel’s military operations that have resulted in over 65,000 deaths and displaced more than a million people, and called for an end to the humanitarian crisis.
Amidst these calls, President Trump reportedly assured leaders of Arab and Muslim-majority nations this week that he would not permit Israel to annex territory in the West Bank, a move some Israeli officials had suggested in retaliation for the growing recognition of Palestinian statehood. French President Emmanuel Macron also urged Mr. Trump to exert pressure on Israel to end the conflict in Gaza. The region remained volatile, with Israel announcing airstrikes against Houthi targets in Yemen following a recent drone attack on the Israeli resort town of Eilat, an action the Houthis claim is in solidarity with Palestinians.
Despite internal challenges, including calls for his resignation due to his extended term since 2005, Mr. Abbas’s determined stance at the U.N. highlighted the enduring Palestinian struggle for self-determination and their unwavering connection to their homeland.